GNC and JEDI grant funding

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By Daily News Staff

Siskiyou Daily News, Yreka, CA

By Daily News Staff

Posted Sep. 20, 2013 at 10:19 AM

By Daily News Staff
Posted Sep. 20, 2013 at 10:19 AM

Siskiyou County

For a community service organization like Great Northern Corporation (GNC), which works hard on behalf of many jurisdictions around the county, this week's news from the California Housing and Community Development Department was met with enthusiastic high fives, stated a press release.

Three Siskiyou County cities have been awarded nearly $2.7 million in California Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding as a result of applications submitted by the GNC team on their behalf.

Projects range from infrastructure improvements and public services to economic development and business support.

Jefferson Economic Development Institute (JEDI) also secured CDBG business technical assistance funding on behalf of the city of Mount Shasta to boost the figure to approximately $3 million for the county, the release said.

Weed

Weed's successful grant application means $1.5 million in funding will go to replace the severely deteriorated BelAir 400,000 gallon water tank and include construction of a new water supply well to serve the city.

The new tank will increase capacity to 450,000 gallons, and the new well will solve critical health and safety issues regarding potable water and essential fire protection measures by adding a second water source, stated the release.

"We are so pleased to know that funding will be available to move forward on this water project," says Craig Sharp, Weed Public Works director. "Patience and doing the necessary homework has finally paid off."

Montague

Montague will be replacing some sewer mains where they expect to reduce the infiltration and inflow of groundwater into the sewer system by approximately 10 to 15 percent.

Additionally, funding is secured for new construction of an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible public restroom at the Montague Airport, including a sidewalk and parking spot.

Thirdly, the city has funding for a Planning and Technical Assistance grant that begins with collection and evaluation of data so an engineer can determine the wastewater treatment capacity of the existing lagoon system based on current needs and projected growth.

The disposal capacity of the existing land application system will also be addressed. The engineer will then use this data to draw up a conceptual design for expansion of the treatment facility.

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta secured funding for some new programs and will continue with business support.

"We are excited to have developed some fundable solutions to concerns of the Mount Shasta community," said Crystal Aston of GNC.

City managerPaul Eckert commented, "CDBG funding is highly competitive, and this cycle was a real win for Mount Shasta – thanks to our staff, GNC and JEDI."

The Fresh Produce Food Bank is is a first-time effort to make fresh fruit and vegetables available to a targeted income population. When seasonally available, locally grown produce will be distributed through this program.

Page 2 of 2 - Those receiving food assistance will complete a self-certification form to determine eligibility. Particular care will be taken to target distribution locations and times that are easily accessible to seniors, working families and those with a limited means of transportation.

The Security Deposit Program is a new program that provides assistance to low/moderate income households when changing tenancy.

Often these families are able to afford the monthly rent but struggle to come up with a required security deposit. Before receiving assistance, the applicant will be qualified according to the Income Calculation and Determination Handbook for Federal Programs.

The goal of the Senior Snow Removal Service is to reduce the number of injuries sustained by the senior population living within the city limits of Mount Shasta.

This service additionally alleviates the financial hardship experienced by the county's most vulnerable population living on fixed incomes who must hire the services of others for their snow removal needs. The program would provide for private driveway and walkway snow removal by a licensed and insured contractor through a competitive procurement process.

The senior population is particularly at risk for becoming housebound during severe storms, cutting them off from access to food, medications, medical appointments, emergency ingress and egress, heating and vehicle fuel, and congregate meals, as well as other essential resources.

Economic development programs will continue to provide affordable, non-conventional financing to eligible businesses and development projects for working capital, equipment, furniture and fixtures. Eligible loan applicants for this activity can be new or existing businesses.

For more information about the CDBG awards, contact the cities directly or GNC at 938-4115, ext. 142.